Fodor's Expert Review Espace Ballon

The technical and sporting elements of hot-air ballooning that put this tiny village on the world map are highlighted at Espace Ballon, a museum and exhibition space run by professional pilots. Permanent and changing shows follow the history of avionics, challenges shared by flying enthusiasts, and flight records that have been broken by adventurers like Bertrand Piccard and Brian Jones, whose Breitling Orbiter set off from a nearby meadow. In addition, there are 3-D movies that take the viewer along for a ride, or you can schedule your own voyage into the thermals.

The annual hot-air ballooning festival gets off the ground in late January in a spectacle featuring more than 100 vibrant balloons. On Friday night a nightglow is held. Scramble to the top of the hill that has the church (look for the steeple) for a stunning view of brilliantly colored, backlit balloons choreographed to music. A lively village fair follows.